Everything You Need to Know Before Stepping Into Scotland’s Most Dramatic Landscape
Torridon is not subtle. Towering sandstone peaks rise straight from sea lochs, cliffs loom over winding single-track roads, and the landscape feels ancient, cinematic, and totally untamed.
But while Torridon has a rep for big hills and big energy, it’s also one of the best places in Scotland for a first-time Highland hiking trip — you don’t need to be a mountaineering legend to enjoy it.
This guide rounds up the best walks, peaks, and experiences in Torridon for beginners, new peak baggers, and anyone looking to make the most of their first visit.
What Makes Torridon Special?
- Home to some of the oldest rocks in the UK — Lewisian gneiss and Torridonian sandstone
- Incredible ridge lines like Liathach and Beinn Alligin
- Epic sea loch scenery with coastal + mountain views
- A sense of space and scale that’s hard to put into words
- Remote… but reachable (2 hours from Inverness by car)
Top Hikes for First-Time Visitors
1. Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail
- Distance: ~6.5km | 3–4 hours
- Start: Coille na Glas Leitir car park
- Why It’s Great:
This is the UK’s only waymarked mountain trail. It offers proper elevation, wild vibes, and views across the Torridon giants — without committing to a full Munro.
- Bonus: Perfect intro to the terrain and local geology
- Top Tip: Walk clockwise — the climb is more forgiving
2. Beinn Alligin (via the Horns, optional)
- Distance: ~10km | 5–6 hours
- Start: Car park on minor road above Loch Torridon
- Why It’s Great:
Two Munros, stunning ridge walking, and a good path most of the way. The Horns of Alligin add optional scrambling — but there’s an easy bypass.
- Best For: Fit walkers with a head for heights
- Top Tip: Go early — this one’s popular and weather-sensitive
3. Liathach (With Bypass Option)
- Distance: ~11km | 6–9 hours
- Start: Glen Torridon roadside lay-by
- Why It’s Great:
A serious-looking ridge with two Munros and one legendary traverse — but you can skip the scary bit (Am Fasarinen Pinnacles) via a bypass path.
- Top Tip: Only go in clear, calm conditions. Save the pinnacles for later if it’s your first time on a ridge.
4. Coire Mhic Nobuil to Loch Torridon Viewpoint
- Distance: ~5km return | 1.5–2 hours
- Start: Small car park before Beinn Alligin
- Why It’s Great:
An easy out-and-back low-level walk through a classic Torridon glen with mountain walls on either side.
- Best For: Rest days or bad-weather wanderings
- Top Tip: Extend to the waterfalls at the head of the coire if the weather’s good
5. Shieldaig Peninsula Coastal Walk
- Distance: ~5.5km | 2 hours
- Start: Shieldaig village
- Why It’s Great:
Woodland paths, coastal views, and a different side of Torridon — plus an excellent pub at the end.
- Best For: Families or recovery day rambles
- Top Tip: Keep an eye out for sea eagles over Loch Shieldaig
Where to Stay
- Shieldaig: Charming village with a pub, café, and views for days
- Torridon Youth Hostel: Great location with mountain access
- Torridon Hotel & Inn: Luxe or rustic — same epic backdrop
- Wild camping: Legal in Scotland, but camp high and responsibly (see tips below)
Food & Fuel
- The Shieldaig Bar & Coastal Kitchen – great seafood & local ales
- The Torridon Inn – hearty mountain meals
- Beinn Bar & Kitchen (Kinlochewe) – good coffee & cake stop
- Closest shop: Kinlochewe or Gairloch (plan ahead for snacks/supplies)
What to Pack for Your Torridon Trip
- OS Explorer OL9 (Torridon, Beinn Eighe & Liathach)
- Layers for all weathers — Torridon changes by the hour
- Proper boots — even “easy” paths are rocky
- Emergency kit + whistle (it’s remote)
- Midges repellent (May–September)
- Peaky Baggers app to log your peaks and route offline
Bonus Tips for First-Timers
- Start small — the scenery is massive, but your route doesn’t have to be
- Check MWIS + Met Office for detailed mountain forecasts
- Let someone know your route if going solo — signal is patchy
- Go slow and soak it in — Torridon is built for awe, not speed
- Respect access — stick to paths, close gates, and leave no trace
Final Thoughts
Torridon might look intimidating on a map — all jagged lines and unpronounceable names — but it’s one of the most rewarding places you’ll ever hike. With a little prep and the right first routes, it’s not just accessible — it’s unforgettable.
Once you’ve stood on those sandstone summits with the lochs glittering below, you’ll know exactly why people keep coming back here.
Share Your First Torridon Hike
Log your routes and summits in the Peaky Baggers app, tag your mountain moments with #PeakyBaggers, and let us know which ridge, glen, or pub stole your heart first.
Photo by martin bennie on Unsplash
